Chlorine Leak Contained Near Water Canal Plant

Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- The chlorine leak reported Monday evening at the Water Canal Plant has been contained, according to fire department officials.

Interim Chief Aubrey Jenkins with the Columbia Fire Department said during a 10 p.m. update to News19 that the leak was isolated and contained by haz-mat crews earlier in the night.

Jenkins said the plant, which is located in the 300 block of Laurel Street, was operating as normal after the containment. He said the leak was found in or around a pipe that connects to a one-ton cylinder, and workers plan to make a permanent repair Tuesday.

The city's water department says a small amount of chlorine leaked, and that area has a vacuum which sucks up the chemical from the air.

Jenkins said there were no leaks as of 10 p.m. Monday. The leak started around 3 p.m. at the plant.

Firefighters say there were no evacuations, and the leak was not a danger to the community.